By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will take delivery of 50 brand new aircrafts between December and 2026.

Abubakar made this known at the second biannual meeting with Branch chiefs and Air Officers Commanding, on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that NAF had successfully inducted 12 aircrafts into its inventory over the past year, saying it was a remarkable achievement that the service had not witnessed in a very long time.

According to him, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.

He encouraged officers and men to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they contribute to the overall mission of the NAF.

?A few months ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, which ushered us into a golden era of transformation and evolution.

?Over the past years, we have successfully inducted 12 aircrafts into our inventory, and God willing, we shall take delivery of 50 brand new aircrafts between December this year and 2026.

?This is a remarkable achievement that we have not witnessed in a very long time.

?Indeed, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.

?I am confident that, under your leadership, the men and women under your commands will rise to the occasion and excel in all tasks set before them,? he said.

The CAS said that several critical issues were discussed leading to a number of resolutions and recommendations during the last meeting with Branch chiefs and AOCs in June.

He said that a number of those resolutions had been implemented including the establishment of two new staff branches, namely the Civil Military Relations Branch and NAF Transformation and Innovation Branch.

?Over the past few months, we have also seen progress in several key areas.

?Our air operations, particularly the expanded counterinsurgency in the North-West region as well as anti-oil theft operations in the South-South have yielded significant results.

?This would not have been possible without the transformational leadership of Branch Chiefs and AOCs as well as the relentless efforts and dedication of the officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force.

?It is your tireless work, both on the front lines and behind the scenes, that drives our mission forward.

?Inspite of our successes, more needs to be done, especially as regards the application of airpower to meet national security imperatives,? he added.

Abubakar said the meeting would offer them the opportunity to critically review progress, address shortcomings, recalibrate strategies and strengthen their unity of purpose towards achieving the desired objectives.

He said the decisions made from the forum must be grounded in sound judgment and a firm grasp of their objectives. (NAN)

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